Do the world’s lesser powers owe a debt of gratitude to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange? According to this editorial from Mexico’s La Jornada, all nations that ‘benefited’ from the work of Mr. Assange and his organization must stand united behind Ecuador, and urge Quito to approve his request for protection from the ‘politically bankrupt’ world powers.

It is deplorable, but indicative of the contemporary world disorder, that Swedish legal officials have been suborned to invent allegations of sex crimes in the context of what has been exposed as a Washington revenge and damage control operation, as well as an attempt to suppress transparency, freedom of expression and the release of information carried out by the Australian and his organization.

It is to be hoped that Quito is able to face down the outside pressure that it is undoubtedly being subjected to and honor Assange’s record of dignity, personal sovereignty, respect for human rights, and his willingness to help correct the current world order, and respond favorably to the WikiLeaks founder’s request.

Ecuador will require the solidarity of honorable governments and societies like ours, which benefitted from the work of Assange and his team, and have obtained by way of their “leaks,” an invaluable tool for public scrutiny and social control of the authorities and world powers, and which have been strengthened in terms of transparency, freedom of expression and the right to information, which are essential elements for the development of democracy and civilization.